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PHILADELPHIA (February 12, 2008) Finding energy efficient schools, supermarkets, offices, and other facilities throughout the country has become even easier for Americans interested in being green. Now they can find the Energy Star not only where they live but where they work, shop, play and learn. The number of commercial buildings and manufacturing plants to earn the Energy Star for superior energy efficiency is up by more than 25 percent in the past year, and the amount of carbon dioxide emissions reduced has reached an all-time high of more than 25 billion pounds.

Across the U.S., 4,056 office buildings, schools, hospitals, and public buildings, representing 746.6 million square feet, have earned EPAs ENERGY STAR for superior energy and environmental performance, including 1,400 in 2007 alone .

These buildings are saving an estimated $1.5 billion annually in lower energy bills, as ENERGY STAR-qualified buildings use up to 40 percent less energy than typical buildings, while providing the required comfort and services.

In Delaware, these 11 ENERGY STAR-qualified buildings represent approximately 1.6 million square feet of space and save an estimated $97.8 million annually in lower energy bills, while meeting industry standards for comfort and indoor air quality. These buildings also prevent 23.7 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to the emissions from more than 1,976 vehicles.

By partnering with EPA, building owners are realizing that they can reduce energy costs without sacrificing comfort or tenant satisfaction, said EPA Regional Administrator Donald S. Welsh. ENERGY STAR building owners in Delaware are to be congratulated for taking an important leadership step.” Buildings earn the ENERGY STAR based on EPAs energy performance rating system. These buildings must score a 75 or better (on a scale from 1-100) based on their actual energy use, and also meet industry standards for comfort and indoor air quality. The average score for ENERGY STAR labeled buildings in 2007 is 84.

Buildings that earn the prestigious ENERGY STAR use one-third less energy than other buildings. Among the top performers nationally are 1,500 office buildings, 1,300 supermarkets, 820 K-12 public schools and 250 hotels. Also, more than 185 banks, financial centers, hospitals, courthouses, warehouses, dormitories, and - for the first time - big-box retail buildings earned the Energy Star. More than 35 manufacturing plants such as cement, auto assembly, corn refining, and - for the first time - petroleum refining are also being recognized.

Top-performing buildings can be found in every state in the nation and the District of Columbia. States that are home to the most ENERGY STAR-qualified buildings are California, Texas, North Carolina, Virginia, Colorado, and Ohio.

With interest in energy efficiency growing, ENERGY STAR offers easy-to-use tools and guidelines that can help building owners and managers in the U.S. realize significant energy and dollar savings.

Started in 1992, ENERGY STAR is a government-backed program helping businesses and consumers protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. Last year alone, American consumers and businesses, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved $14 billion and prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal to those from 25 million vehicles.

For mre information and a complete list of buildings and their locations, please visit www.energystar.gov/labeledlist